Author Archive: Dora Fletcher

At Westminster, we believe supporting the work of the church through the giving of money, time and talents is important.

What we need to keep in mind, actually in our hearts, is that as followers of Christ indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we live from a life perspective that permeates every aspect of who we are and what we do. Jesus talked about money because of its tangibility as a gauge of how we have adjusted our world view as his disciples.

To give sacrificially of ourselves and our resources should not be an agonizing yearly, monthly or weekly decision. It proceeds naturally from the depths to which we have allowed the Holy Spirit to dwell with in us.

Members of Westminster financially contribute through e-giving, checks or cash donations. Each member prayerfully decides how often and how much they wish to contribute. Our newly established Heritage Society encourages members to contribute through a will or estate planning.

Additionally, members are asked to consider their talents given by God for use in the Church. A few ways to serve both in and beyond Westminster may be found here.

The members and staff of Westminster Presbyterian are committed to providing love, care, and support to each other as we walk the path of life with Christ and answer God’s call to be servants to those in need.

If you are in need of care while in the hospital, or during an emergency, there are many avenues available to you. Our Stephens Ministry program, along with our Shepherds and Deacons provide support to members of the congregation. It’s how we help each other!

Emergency (and non-emergency) Pastoral Care: Every day one of our ministers is available to respond to Pastoral emergencies and non-emergencies. Should an emergency arise during business hours please call the Church Office at 815-282-1500.

Members are sometimes in need of care but are not in crisis. You may inquire about all care that is available through the Pastoral staff, Stephen Ministry, and a variety of resources within the church family by contacting Joan Slack, the Caring Ministries Coordinator by e-mail (email)or by calling the church office at 815-282-1500. All information given will be handled confidentially.

Parish Nurse: Wendy Slick-Davidson, our parish nurse, is an experienced registered nurse knowledgeable in health care. The parish nurse delivers holistic, health-promoting and preventive care that is based on the concept of mind, body, and spiritual well-being. The roles of the parish nurse include being an educator, advocate, health counselor, resource coordinator, referral agent, and an integrator of faith and health.

Blood pressure check up?

Call Wendy to discuss your needs or any health concerns.

Hospital Care: The Caring staff extends compassionate ministry and prayer to those who are hospitalized through personal visitation in the area’s hospitals. Recent changes in the law have limited the information hospitals can give to those requesting information about patients, so it is necessary to contact the Main Office to report any admissions or surgical procedures. Visits are normally made within 48 hours of the notification, but quicker response is offered if there is an emergency.

Stephen Ministers : are specially-trained to provide one-on-one Christian care with confidentiality and accountability, undergoing 50 hours of intense training to develop listening skills, crisis intervention and learn how to minister to others in specific situations such as illness and grief. They are also trained when to refer someone to a skilled professional.

Consider Stephen Ministry for Illness, Loneliness, Loss, Separation or divorced, Being shut-in, Pregnancy or birth of a child, Low self-esteem, Single parent support, Victims of crime or victims of natural disaster, Hospitalized or in nursing facility, or Family frustrations and challenges.

To request a confidential visit from a Stephen Minister, or if you’re interested in becoming trained as a Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Bill Ward at 815-282-1500.

Home Bound: The Pastors, Deacons and our Parish Nurse regularly visit those members who are confined to home or in facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living.

Grace Ministry provides an equipment lending service for our members and friends.
If you know of anyone that is homebound and would be in need of equipment, please contact the Main office (815-282-1500) Barb Muzzarelli (815-633-5534).

Prayer Quilt Ministry: Each quilt or square is designed and constructed with prayer for the person who will receive that particular quilt. What ever the circumstances are, they ask for the Lord’s blessing in those circumstances. Prayer quilts/squares are completely constructed by the loving hands of our finest quilters, but it’s not finished until it has been blessed by the Reverend and prayed over by the congregation. As the knots are tied on the quilt, prayers are said for the person and family who will receive the quilt.

Shepherds Who Care: Westminster neighbors pray for each other, keep in touch, keep each other informed, and are available for questions about the church.

Non-Employed Networkers group meets on Monday mornings twice a month. Join other people for networking and support.
For questions, call Pete Darelius (815-227-9153).